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Good Bottom Line Practices
Fall Protection for Above ground Storage Tanks

Occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem. Identifying fall hazards and deciding how best to protect workers is the first step in reducing or eliminating fall hazards.

The Dept. of Labor (DOL) lists falls as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma. Any time a worker is at a height of four feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction.

However, regardless of the fall distance, fall protection must be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery.

Fall prevention means keeping accidents from happening. Using equipment like guardrails, stair rails, travel restraint systems, safety nets, arrest systems (harnesses), self retracting lifelines/lanyards and ladder safety devices help keep workers from falling and avoid a hard landing if they do fall.

This following information from the Construction Roundtable of OSHA’s Alliance Program underscores the need for prevention when working on or around above ground storage tanks.

Fall Prevention Priorities

• Try to do a job from ground level;

• Use passive controls such as handrails;

• Use fall protection equipment to help avoid hard landings.

Fall Hazards In and Around Tanks

• Holes in walking or working surfaces;

• Poorly secured ladders;

• Faulty scaffolds;

• Untidy or congested work areas;

• Obstructed walkways;

• Improper use of equipment or procedures;

• At ground level around the tank;

• On tank stairs, ladders, platforms, rooftops, scaffolds or girders;

• Slippery floors and obstacles inside the tank.

The Bottom Line

• Understand the hazards for specific tasks;

• Minimize risk by real-time hazard review;

• Think, look and correct before starting work;

• Follow procedures and get necessary permits;

• Use good judgment;

• If in doubt, ask someone with experience.

Good Practices for Climbing

• Always have two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on ladder;

• Do not lean the mid-line of the body (belt buckle) past the vertical side of a ladder or over the top of a railing;

• Grip ladder rungs with fingers on top – not underhanded;

• Use a bucket or tool bag to raise tools instead of carrying;

• Use required fall protection equipment to perform work from fixed ladders;

• Wear shoes with full heels and non-slip soles;

• Inspect ladder rungs, rails and feet before use;

• Position ladders properly and tie-off;

• Use caged ladders to improve climbing safety (while ladder cages cannot prevent falls, they may help keep or regain control while climbing);

• Do not use railings as designated tie-off locations.

Specific Training for Fall Prevention

Companies, facilities and OSHA regulations require training that can include things such as the fall protection program, recognizing fall hazards, use of ladders, scaffold inspection, use of manlifts, manufacturer’s recommendations on fall protection personal protective equipment (PPE) and when there is a need for specially qualified personnel.

Do and Don’t Tips:

DO:

• Look for hazards and ways to avoid them;

• Get enough light to see what you’re doing;

• Choose and use proper procedures and equipment;

• Use walkways, especially on tank dikes;

• Keep walking and climbing pathways clear;

• Make sure a tank roof will support your weight before walking on it; reinforce roofs if needed;

• Have reliable communication when working alone;

• Check sour tanks for H2S before climbing on top and have respiratory protection available;

• Check scaffolds and their inspection tags;

• Use helper to hold extension ladder when climbing to tie-off the ladder.

DON’T:

• Ignore a hazard if it can hurt someone;

• Go on a floating roof without required

permits – it may be a confined space;

• Run or jump from elevations;

• Stand on top two rungs of a ladder or allow

two or more people on a ladder;

• Carry tools while climbing;

• Use unknown scaffolds;

• Walk on wind girders without railings;

• Use safety belts, harnesses or climbing devices without training;

• Expect someone else to prevent a fall.

Fall Prevention for Employers

Falls from elevations account for approximately one-third of all deaths in construction. The following tips highlight some of the key issues that employers should consider when planning, implementing, and maintaining their fall prevention programs.

1. Develop a written fall prevention plan.

2. Identify potential fall hazards prior to each project and during daily walkarounds. Pay attention to hazards associated with routine and non-routine tasks.

3. Eliminate the need for fall protection where possible by rescheduling the task, isolating the task, or changing the task.

4. Ensure that fall protection equipment is appropriate for the task, in good condition, and used properly.

5. Conduct general fall prevention training on a regular basis.

6. Train workers on the specific fall hazards identified and on the required personal protective equipment.

7. Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and OSHA requirements.

8. Emphasize fall hazards unique to the site, such as open floor holes or shafts, riser penetrations, and skylights.

9. Team up with other construction employers and employees to identify best practices and share fall prevention solutions.

10. Get more information from OSHA.

Fall Prevention for Employees

It only takes a second for a fall to occur. Falling only a few feet can result in serious injury or death.

1. Understand your company’s written fall prevention plan.

2. Attend and participate in fall prevention training.

3. Use fall protection equipment if required for the job. Be sure that the equipment is right for the task, fits properly, and is in good condition.

4. Inspect fall protection equipment (for example, harness systems) and devices (for example, guardrails and tie-off points) before each use.

5. Make sure that floor holes, open shafts, and riser penetrations are protected by sturdy guardrails or covers.

6. Get specialized training before working on scaffolds, lifts, or ladders.

7. When using scaffolds, make sure there is proper access, full planking, stable footing, and guard railing.

8. Keep your feet firmly on the platform of a boom lift and tie-off at all times.

9. Chose the correct ladder for the task, read the instructions, and be sure that the ladder is in good condition. Check for surrounding hazards, stable footing, and the proper angle.

10. Identify skylights and make sure they are properly protected.

11. Contact your supervisor if you see fall hazards or have any other questions about fall prevention. Do not work until unsafe conditions have been corrected.

12. Get more information from the OSHA. FSM